Saints Explode for 3-0 Shutout over Harding
COLUMBUS, GA
– The North Georgia men’s soccer team got back on track
Friday afternoon, playing their first contest of the year at a
neutral site and coming away with a 3-0 shutout over Harding
University in non-conference action.
With the victory, North Georgia puts a lid on a three-game losing
streak, improving to 3-4 on the season, while Harding University
lost their bid for a third straight shutout and fall to 2-6 on the
year.
The Saints exploded with their biggest offensive display of the
season, scoring two first-half goals before adding one more in the
second period for the 3-0 blanking of the Bison.
Santiago Pinzon got North Georgia off on the right foot in the
early going, scoring his second career goal in the 35th minute to
give the Saints a 1-0 lead. Jeff Majors followed in the 44th
minute, sneaking in a score just before intermission off a pass
from Juan Hurtado as Pat Parris’ squad led by a pair at the
break.
Midway through the second period, Chris Griffith put the game out
of reach, scoring his team-leading second goal of the season in the
66th minute to put the fishing touches on the Saints’ 3-0
victory over Harding.
North Georgia dominated every facet of the game, outshooting
Harding 13-6, and holding a 6-0 advantage in shots on goal. The two
teams were dead even at 12 fouls each, while both teams attempting
four corner kicks.
Rade Tanaskovic recorded his second shutout of the season in goal
for the Saints, letting his defense do most the work as the
sophomore faced just six shots, none on goal, in the victory.
Harding University keeper James Thurmond went the distance for the
Bison in goal, recording three assists while allowing all three
goals.
North Georgia will have their longest layoff of the season before
they return to action, waiting eight days before the Bearcats of
Lander University come to town for a Peach Belt Conference showdown
at the Soccer Complex on Saturday, September 26. Kickoff is set for
3:30 p.m. for the league rivals.